Scott, Hassan Lead Effort to Solidify Sanctions on Iranian Regime
The legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier this month.
Washington, D.C. – Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are leading an effort to cement sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors, thereby curtailing the regime’s ability to finance terrorism and develop its nuclear program. The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act – which is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) – would make permanent energy and weapons sanctions in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. The legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier this month.
“After four years of the Biden administration enabling billion-dollar windfalls for the Iranian regime, we must do everything in our power to stop the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism from developing weapons that threaten the United States and our allies. I’ve consistently called for stronger action to counter Iran’s destabilizing behavior, and by making these sanctions permanent, we’re sending a clear message: the era of appeasing Iran and its terror proxies is over,” said Chairman Scott.
“We must prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon and stop its support of terrorism,” said Senator Hassan. “By making permanent energy and weapons sanctions on Iran, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen American national security and send a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate Iran’s aggression.”
“Sanctions have been critical in holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions, including support for terrorist proxies,” said Senator Rosen. “With Iran closer than ever to a nuclear weapon, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation that applies pressure on the Iranian regime.”
“As Iran continues to grow its nuclear, missile, and terrorist threats, America’s sanctions laws remain a critical and indispensable tool for denying Iran the money that it needs fund these threats,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased once again to be an original co-sponsor of the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, a bill that will make permanent the Iran Sanctions Act, a cornerstone law in America’s broader sanctions program against Iran’s terror-sponsoring regime. The United States should not ease sanctions unless and until the Iranian regime ends its malign and destabilizing behavior.”
“The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA) would make permanent critical U.S. sanctions on Iran, ensuring pressure on the regime remains in place until Tehran ceases its destabilizing policies. Since 1996, the Iran Sanctions Act has been a key statutory tool for cutting off funding to the regime in Iran by targeting its lucrative energy sector, which is the lifeblood of the regime’s global terrorism and nuclear ambitions,” said Matt Zweig, Senior Director for Policy at FDD Action. “SISA would make the Iran Sanctions Act permanent, sending a clear message to Tehran: Congress will maintain maximum pressure until the regime dismantles its nuclear program and ends its support for terrorism.”
"As the U.S. engages in negotiations with Iran over the country's nuclear program, it is crucial the U.S. maintain economic pressure on Tehran to end its destructive actions. The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 — the core of U.S. statutory sanctions against Iran. We strongly support the legislation," said AIPAC.
Background:
In 1996, Congress passed the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which allowed the president to impose secondary sanctions on Iran’s energy sector. Throughout the years, ISA provisions were expanded to include other Iranian industries. ISA consists of “triggers” that place sanctions on firms or entities that violate U.S. sanctions under this law. As Iran continues its nuclear enrichment towards a weapons-grade level, it is essential that the United States solidifies its pivotal sanctions to apply pressure toward the rogue regime.
The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act removes the sunset provision in the ISA and signals that the U.S. remains firmly committed to sanctioning the regime until it changes its malign behavior. The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier this month.
In the 118th Congress, then-Ranking Member Scott conducted rigorous oversight over the flow of funds to Iran and its terror proxies, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas.
###
Previous Article